Wednesday, 31st October 2018 | Small business financing Canada,Management
Avoid financial penalties: What you need to know about AODA
Small businesses in Ontario have more face-to-face interactions with customers than any other type of business. Whether you refer to these individuals as clients, guests, patients or members, 15 percent of them have a disability.
Small businesses in Ontario have more face-to-face interactions with customers than any other type of business. Whether you refer to these individuals as clients, guests, patients or members, 15 percent of them have a disability.
Disability is a broad definition that goes beyond the physical disabilities we tend to think about. The definition includes both visible and non-visible disabilities such as vision impairments; hearing loss; as well as intellectual, developmental, learning and mental health disabilities.
If you run a business in Ontario you have a vital role to play in making the province accessible. If you are operating outside of Ontario, similar legislation is afoot at the federal level. Whether you have one employee or 100, it’s your responsibility to obey applicable customer service accessibility laws. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines for you as a business owner. Below we provide an overview of the accessibility standards in Ontario, and ways to avoid financial penalty.
About Ontario’s accessibility legislation
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. Ontario made history as the first province to pass legislation of this kind. The goal of the legislation is to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities. By the year 2025, Ontario should be fully accessible.
The AODA aims to make Ontario accessible in five areas:
- Customer service: Focuses on the business policies and practices that prevent individuals with disabilities from receiving the same level of customer service as others.
- Information and communications: Increases access to information, whether it be in-person, print, online or via phone.
- Employment: Addresses staffing practices, including recruitment, hiring and retention policies.
- Transportation: Ensures accessible transportation, including buses and trains.
- Design of public spaces: Addresses accessibility in buildings and outdoor spaces, including counter height, aisle and door width, and parking.
How to ensure your business is AODA-compliant
Businesses across the province are taking steps to become more accessible and inclusive. Below are some of the most common barriers to accessibility, and how you can work to eliminate them.
Your company website
For many consumers, your website is their first point of contact with you. With so many clients taking to Google to conduct online research, chances are they’ll visit your website before your storefront. There are steps you can take to ensure that everyone, including those who use screen readers, can seamlessly access and use your site.
- Add alternative text to images: Also known as "alt-text," alternative text enables individuals using screen reader software to access the non-text information on your site. This software is not able to describe images or graphics embedded on websites. Adding alt-text to your web graphics help users understand your website’s visual elements, even if they cannot see them.
- Make hyperlinks longer than one word: Users with mobility issues or those who use assistive technology may have difficulty accessing small hyperlinks. Making your website’s hyperlinks more visible, and longer than one word will make it easier to navigate. For example, instead of writing "See the breakfast menu here", write: "See the breakfast menu".
Your storefront or office
Making a good first impression lies in how easy it is for customers or employees using wheelchairs and mobility devices to enter your business. (Added bonus: these modifications will also help customers with baby strollers.) Here are some ways to make your physical space accessible:
- Automatic doors: Ensure all doors in your office or business have visible buttons for assisted entry.
- Ramps: If your front entrance is raised above the curb or sidewalk, purchase and install a ramp to provide an alternative way for people to get in.
- Guide dogs: by law, you must welcome guide dogs and support people to accompany your customers
- Add more room: Overcrowding a space with too many tables, chairs or product displays can create barriers to mobility. Instead, remove unnecessary clutter to open the space and add more room for wheelchairs and mobility devices to get around.
- Accessible restroom: If you don’t have space for an accessible stall in the ladies and men’s room, install a separate washroom that can be used by wheelchair users and families with strollers.
Marketing and signage
Eliminate some barriers to written communication by adapting to the best accessible practices for text.
- Use larger font size: Make fonts larger on signs, menus, and product descriptions so that they are legible and easy to read.
- Use braille: Incorporating braille to signage in your business allows individuals with vision impairments the to understand written material. Consider directional signage (including elevators), restroom signs and any notices at your cash register.
- Use appropriate language: Avoid saying "handicapped" or "disabled," and instead use terms like "accessible" or "individual with a disability."
Your employees
Businesses with 1 to 19 employees must have an accessibility policy and educate staff on the legislation. Adding sensitive training on how to communicate with customers with disabilities is crucial to making your business accessible and openminded. Make your employees prepared to interact with customers who have low vision by being able to read out written documents and offer assistance.
Penalties for non-compliance with the AODA
Failure to comply with standards set out in the AODA can result in hefty fines for you as a business owner. An individual or unincorporated business that is guilty of a major offense under the AODA can be fined up to $50,000 a day until the violation is fixed. In turn, a corporation can be fined up to $100,000 per day. CBC has reported that the fine for violating the federal accessibility law could be as high as $250,000.
Take action to ensure your small business is accessible
If a customer tells you or an employee that an area of your operations is not accessible, consider what they are saying and how you can adapt. Taking strides to make your business accessible today will ensure that you don’t receive any convictions for non-compliance tomorrow.
Inform yourself about the accessibility laws that are in place in the city or region you live in. Visit the Province of Ontario website for complete information about the accessibility laws that Ontario-based businesses are required to follow.
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Embracing AI: Small Business Marketing Success
Venturing into Artificial Intelligence (AI) may seem like treading uncharted waters, but it's an opportunity for small businesses to revolutionize marketing strategies and spark growth. Much like the buzz surrounding ChatGPT, AI tools offer myriad capabilities, ranging from task automation to personalized customer experiences. In fact, research shows that 39% of small businesses have already invested in AI tools to innovate their customer engagement and retention strategies, leveraging AI to save both time and money.
Unlocking the Power of AI Tools
AI tools span a wide spectrum of applications to streamline processes, analyze data, and optimize marketing campaigns. Let's explore some key AI tools commonly embraced in small business marketing:
Data analysis
AI-powered analytics programs sift through vast volumes of marketing data, distilling valuable insights and trends that inform strategic decisions and fuel campaign optimization. This enhances efficiency and facilitates cost savings, with 25% of businesses using these savings to increase wages and benefits.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP technology empowers chatbots and virtual assistants to engage customers in natural conversations, enriching customer service and sales interactions.
Automated decision-making
AI algorithms offer actionable recommendations, guiding marketing strategy decisions to ensure resource allocation aligns with business objectives and budget constraints.
Content generation
AI-driven tools churn out written content, such as blog posts and social media captions, at scale, freeing up time for creative endeavours while maintaining quality and consistency.
Real-time personalization
Leveraging customer data, AI enables personalized marketing experiences by delivering tailored recommendations and offers, thereby enhancing engagement and driving conversions.
Leveraging AI for Marketing Success
Incorporating AI tools into the marketing toolkit can yield substantial benefits for small businesses. Here's a roadmap to harnessing AI for marketing success:
Harness data insights
Utilize AI analytics platforms to extract actionable insights from marketing data, empowering informed decision-making and continuous optimization.
Elevate customer engagement
Deploy AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide personalized customer experiences, fostering satisfaction and loyalty.
Make informed choices
Rely on AI-driven recommendations to shape marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market dynamics.
Streamline content creation
Utilize AI content generation tools to produce high-quality written content efficiently, maintaining relevance and resonance with the audience.
Deliver tailored experiences
Leverage AI to deliver real-time personalized marketing messages and offers, nurturing deeper connections and driving conversions.
Designing an AI Marketing Strategy
Designing an effective AI marketing strategy requires careful planning and strategic execution. Here's how to do it:
Identify Business Requirements
Assess business needs and objectives to determine how AI can support marketing goals.
Decide AI Framework
Choose AI tools and technologies that align with business requirements and budget constraints.
The Right Approach
Adopt a strategic approach to implementing AI in the marketing strategy, focusing on areas where it can deliver the most significant impact.
Evolve
Continuously monitor and refine the AI marketing strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and emerging trends.
By embracing the power of AI, small businesses can unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With careful planning and strategic implementation, AI can be a game-changer for small business marketing, driving engagement, loyalty, and business success. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and seize the opportunities that AI has to offer.
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Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses
As we embark on a new year, the ever-evolving digital landscape presents opportunities and challenges. In 2024, one of the paramount challenges demanding attention is the persistent threat of cyber attacks.
Safeguarding your business against these threats is not just advisable—it's imperative. Let's explore the crucial cybersecurity strategies every small business should adopt for a secure and prosperous journey throughout 2024.
Understanding the Landscape
The IBC’s 2023 Cyber Security Survey revealed a concerning trend among small businesses. Despite over 60% considering their size immune to cybercriminal attention, small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees experienced a surprising 43% of yearly cyber attacks in 2023.
Crucial Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses
Educate Your Team
Empowering your team with effective cyber threat identification skills is essential. Regular training sessions can equip them to recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and identify potential security risks. A well-informed team serves as the first line of defence against cyber adversaries.
Ensure your training addresses these common security issues:
1. Phishing attacks: Deceptive tactics to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or deploying harmful software.
2. Malware attacks: Cyber threats involving malicious software executing unauthorized actions.
3. Ransomware: Malicious software designed to deny access to files, demanding a ransom for decryption.
Employee Training and Awareness Programs
Acknowledge that your employees are not just integral to your business—they are the first line of defence against cyber threats. Regular training and awareness programs inform your team about the latest cyber threats and preventive measures. Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness where every team member actively contributes to the protection of your business.
Strengthening Your Digital Shield
Crafting an impenetrable shield for your small business involves developing good cybersecurity habits through daily practices:
1. Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems and security applications, up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.
2. Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits to identify and rectify potential weaknesses in your systems.
3. Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies, promoting the use of complex, unique passwords.
4. Require long, varied passwords for sensitive accounts.
5. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Invest in Cybersecurity Technology
As cyber threats advance, upgrading defences is crucial. Invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to serve as your digital guardians, actively monitoring and thwarting potential threats.
Proactive Preparedness
Craft a comprehensive incident response plan that includes:
1. Communication Protocols: Clearly define communication channels during a cyber incident.
2. Data Backup Strategies: Regularly back up critical data to minimize the impact of potential data loss.
3. Mitigation Steps: Establish procedures to mitigate potential damage during and after a cyberattack.
The Stakes Are High
In 2023, small businesses accounted for a significant portion of annual cyber attacks, emphasizing the need to view cybersecurity not as an expense but as an investment. Cybersecurity is not a luxury—it's a prerequisite for sustainable success. As you navigate the intricate web of business operations in 2024, remember that a secure foundation is key to achieving your goals. Despite the challenges in the digital realm, informed decisions and proactive measures can help your business emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
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